verb

keep

Translation

to keep, to retain, to continue, to store

You can keep the change.

Please keep the door closed.

I keep my keys in my pocket.

Keep trying your best.

((sth.)) to retain (sth.) You can keep the change.

((sth.)) ((adjective)) to cause (sth.) to remain in a state Please keep the door closed.

((sth.)) ((prepositional phrase)) to store (sth.) somewhere I keep my keys in my pocket.

((-ing)) to continue doing (sth.) Keep trying your best.

Synonyms: retain, hold, maintain; Antonyms: lose, discard, release

From Old English 'cēpan', meaning 'to seize, hold, guard'.

Imagine a zookeeper who 'keeps' the animals safe. The core idea is holding or maintaining something.